“Starting a charter school is a complex process that involves attention to many details because ensuring that these children receive a high quality education is our highest priority,” Commissioner Davy said. “We are very proud of the work that these individuals and organizations have done over the past year in order to meet DOE’s requirements.”

The six new schools bring the total number of charters in the state to 68. Approximately 18,800 New Jersey students currently attend charter schools.

A charter school is a public school open to all students on a space-available basis that is funded by taxpayers but operated independently of the district board of education under a charter granted by the Commissioner.

Once the charter is approved, the school is managed by a board of trustees deemed to be public agents authorized by the State Board of Education to supervise and control the school. The Commissioner has the authority to grant charters for four-year periods and to renew charters for five-year periods.

Commissioner Davy is currently reviewing applications for charters scheduled to open in 2010. The Commissioner will determine which of those can move forward by the end of September.